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Some parasites associated with dogs can infect people, but transmission depends on the parasite and its route. The examples covered here involve swallowing material contaminated with roundworm eggs, bare skin contacting hookworm larvae in contaminated soil or sand, or accidentally swallowing a flea infected with tapeworm larvae. Ordinary proximity to or petting a dog is not the route described for these infections.
Reduce exposure by picking up dog feces promptly, washing hands, keeping children away from contaminated areas, wearing shoes outdoors, controlling fleas, and asking a veterinarian about the right prevention and testing plan for your dog. A dog can appear healthy and still carry parasites, so appearance alone is not a reliable safety test.
What “catching worms from a dog” actually involves
For the infections most relevant to dog-owning households, exposure generally occurs in one of three ways:
- Swallowing contaminated material: Roundworm infection can occur when contaminated soil, sand, or plants are accidentally put in the mouth and swallowed.
- Bare-skin contact with contaminated ground: Hookworm larvae in contaminated soil or sand can penetrate exposed skin.
- Swallowing an infected flea: People can acquire Dipylidium tapeworm by accidentally swallowing an infected flea.
These routes are why ordinary contact such as stroking a dog is not the route described for these infections. Puppies are more likely than adult animals to have roundworms and hookworms, and a pet may appear healthy while carrying parasites.
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- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable large dog dewormer treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 tapeworms, 2 roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet Quality Deworming for Dogs: These vet-quality tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and large dogs 25.1 to 200 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum canine dewormer comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dewormer for puppies is not rejected and the full dose of dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with PetArmor dog dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian and have them perform a fecal test to rule out other issues or parasites
The three worm-related infections to know
| Parasite | How a person is exposed | Typical clue | Prevention focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roundworm | Swallowing material contaminated with eggs, such as soil, sand, or plants | Many infections have no symptoms; some can cause serious injury, including eye or nerve damage | Feces cleanup, handwashing, and veterinary care |
| Zoonotic hookworm | Larvae penetrate bare skin that contacts contaminated soil or sand | Intensely itchy, raised red tracks | Wear shoes and avoid bare-skin contact with potentially contaminated ground |
| Dipylidium caninum tapeworm | Accidentally swallowing an infected flea | Many infections have no symptoms | Effective flea control |
Roundworms
Some dog and cat roundworms can infect people. Infection can occur when contaminated soil, sand, or plants are accidentally put in the mouth and swallowed. Young animals are more likely to be infected. Some infections can cause serious damage, including injury to the eyes or nerves. For personal concerns or symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
Hookworms: the bare-skin route
Zoonotic hookworm larvae can develop in soil or sand contaminated with animal feces and penetrate bare skin that touches the ground. The resulting skin condition, cutaneous larva migrans, can cause severe itching and raised red tracks.
Cases often occur among people who have traveled to tropical areas where larvae survive in soil, but travel is not required and hookworms can be found elsewhere. Wear shoes and avoid sitting or lying directly on potentially contaminated soil or sand.
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- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable dewormer for puppies; treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms in dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Vet Quality: These vet-quality dog tapeworm dewormer tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and large dogs 25.1 to 200 lbs
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- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dog dewormer is not rejected and the full dose of deworming for dogs is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with PetArmor canine dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian and performing a fecal test to rule out any other issues or parasites
Tapeworms: Dipylidium caninum and infected fleas
Dogs and cats can acquire Dipylidium caninum by swallowing an infected flea while grooming. People acquire it the same way: by accidentally swallowing an infected flea. Most people with this infection have no symptoms, and it is treatable.
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How exposure happens in a household
Feces can contaminate places where people play
Dog or cat feces can contaminate soil and sand. Promptly remove feces from yards and public places, bag it, and dispose of it properly. Keep children away from areas that may contain animal feces.
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- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable dewormer for small dogs treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet-Quality: These vet-quality puppy dewormer tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and small dogs 6.0 to 25 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum dewormer with pyrantel pamoate for dogs comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable 7 Way Dewormer for dogs is not rejected and the full dose of dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with any PetArmor dog dewormer read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian and performing a fecal test to rule out any other issues or parasites
Children may have more opportunities for exposure
Keep children away from potentially contaminated areas, cover sandboxes when they are not in use, and help children wash their hands after outdoor play and before eating.
Indoor living does not eliminate risk
Indoor living does not guarantee that a dog is parasite-free. Ask a veterinarian about prevention, testing, and treatment appropriate for the individual dog.
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A practical prevention plan
- Ask your veterinarian about parasite care. Discuss the prevention, deworming if needed, and testing schedule that fit your dog. There is no single testing or deworming interval that applies to every dog.
- Pick up feces promptly. Remove dog waste from yards and public areas, bag it, and dispose of it properly. Dog waste bags can help make cleanup easier, but pickup does not replace handwashing.
- Wash hands. Wash after touching animals, pet waste, or pet supplies, and before handling food or eating.
- Keep children away from contaminated areas. Cover sandboxes when they are not in use and keep play areas clear of animal feces.
- Wear shoes outdoors. Avoid bare-skin contact with soil or sand that may be contaminated with animal feces.
- Control fleas. Ask your veterinarian about flea control for your pet. Flea control is the key prevention step for Dipylidium tapeworm.
When should a person seek medical advice?
Contact a healthcare professional with concerns after a relevant exposure, especially for severe itching and raised red tracks after contact with soil or sand, or for eye or nerve symptoms. Some roundworm infections can cause serious damage. Do not try to diagnose an infection from symptoms alone.
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- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable dewormer for small dogs treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet Quality Dewormer for Puppies: These vet-quality tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and small dogs 6.0 to 25 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum tapeworm and hookworm dewormer for dogs comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dog dewormer is not rejected and the full dose of dog tapeworm dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with any PetArmor canine dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, consult with your veterinarian and have them perform a fecal test to rule out any other issues or parasites
What to do if your dog is diagnosed with worms
- Follow the veterinarian’s treatment instructions and ask what follow-up is appropriate.
- Ask whether your dog’s parasite-prevention or testing plan should change.
- Remove feces promptly and wash hands after handling the dog, its waste, or pet supplies.
- Keep children away from areas that may be contaminated, and cover sandboxes when not in use.
- Maintain flea control as advised by your veterinarian, particularly if tapeworm infection is suspected.
A dog’s diagnosis does not mean every household member is infected. Focus on the relevant exposure route, practical hygiene, and veterinary guidance.
FAQ
Can I get worms from petting my dog?
Petting alone is not the route described for the infections covered here. Roundworm exposure involves swallowing contaminated material, hookworm larvae can penetrate bare skin, and Dipylidium tapeworm infection requires accidentally swallowing an infected flea.
Can a healthy-looking dog carry parasites?
Yes. A pet may appear healthy and still carry parasites. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate routine care, prevention, and testing.
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- Mix the daily dose with a small amount of your dog’s usual food. Your dog should eat all of the medicated food. If feeding dry dog food, it may need to be moistened to aid mixing
- Repeat the daily dose for 3 days in a row (each packet is a daily dose depending on your dog's size)
- If dog's weight is in-between suggested dosing sizes, it's safe to use the next higher size. For example a 15 pound dog should be treated with the 2gm packet
- Safe for all dogs 6 weeks and older, including pregnant dogs
- Deworming schedules may vary depending on the climate where you live and the activity of your dog
How can I reduce the risk of hookworm exposure?
Wear shoes and avoid bare-skin contact with soil or sand that may be contaminated with animal feces. Hookworm larvae can penetrate exposed skin.
How can I reduce the risk of Dipylidium tapeworm?
Maintain flea control for your pet as advised by a veterinarian. People acquire this tapeworm by accidentally swallowing an infected flea.
Is there one deworming or testing schedule for every dog?
No. Ask a veterinarian about prevention, deworming if needed, and testing appropriate for your individual dog.
Scope: This article focuses on U.S. households. Parasite exposure and recommendations can vary by location and circumstances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that regular veterinary care helps protect pets and families.
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